Why Do People Join a Trade Union?

If you've heard a lot about Trade Unions in the media, perhaps due to the threat of job losses, or unfair or inappropriate working conditions, then perhaps you might consider joining a Trade Union.

Here are 5 reasons why people join a trade union

Trade

1. Larger Voice

Why Do People Join a Trade Union?

If one employee person complains about an issue, such as working conditions, then management may not listen, but if several do, through a Trade Union, they are much more likely to be heard.

Employees working for similar companies or in similar sectors can make themselves heard using the power of a Trade Union too. In retail, or manufacturing where there are often threats of closures, or other changes, belonging to a Trade Union can prove to be effective.

2. Issues That Affect You

Trade Unions campaign on behalf of their members, on a range of issues, which can be local, sector wide, or nationwide. Perhaps you are affected by a factory closing, or a company you supply to is moving its operations abroad. Maybe your region depends on a specific sector, such as farming, or manufacturing, and these areas are affected by the current economic climate. You could be affected by new laws, or by companies that are changing their emphasis. There are a lot of issues that could affect you, and your family, and being a member of a Trade Union could help you.

3. Workers' Rights

Workers' Rights are important for each an every employee. People cannot be discriminated against for their race, age, religion, colour, nationality, sexuality, gender, or for any other reason. Ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equally is essential.

4. Campaigns

Trade Unions campaign against injustices in the workplace, or to promote a specific issue, such as for workers in a particular sector, or for a particular sector as a whole. Local issues could be brought about by the closure or opening of a factory, meaning more or less unemployment. Sector wide issues affect all workers in the same sector, such as agricultural workers, those in the car industry, or retail. National campaigns affect all workers, in all industries, and include issues such as minimum pay, working hours and pensions.

5. Trade Unions can help to change government policy

Trade Unions are often consulted on matters that affect government policy, such as working hours, pay and conditions, as well as issues that affect all workers in a particular sector, or perhaps when a large company goes into administration. Research can be carried out on behalf of other countries too, to see how policies or changes would affect workers in different countries.

Now you know more about the work carried out by a Trade Union, and how it can help you, why not consider joining a Trade Union?

Why Do People Join a Trade Union?

Find out more about the work carried out by a Trade Union, and some of the benefits of being a Trade Union Member [http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=42427].